As everyone knows, the Saints are contempating their 2006 home field. I know many of you oppose the saints playing in TS, but let's assume LSU, the saints and the league come to an agreement for the saints to play their home games at TS. Watching the two TS saints games on TV, it was apparent that the footing was terrible (gave brooks and ideal excuse for his horrendous play!), even to the extent that saints players are now vehemently opposed to playing on the current field in back-to-back game situations in 2006. Although field turf is a mixture of synthetic and natural materials, does it accentuate the speed factor? With LSU one of the fastest and most athletic teams in college football, wouldn't it benefit the tigers? especially, when we see at least a couple of wet/rainy games per season? Who would be in favor of field turf on a one year basis if the saints decided to cover the cost?
I've never been a believer in the playing surface giving one team an advantage over another. The only way it benefits them is if the home team play 3 or 4 in a row in rainy conditions then play against a desert team who has never even seen rain before. Then the team who has played on wet fields might have an advantege.
I'm going to have to go with just re-doing the field with natural grass. It is a good idea I just don't think it is LSU! Tradition is my main reason, I like it when it rains and the players get muddy and you can see grass stains! It is the way football was meant to be! If tiger stadium was a dome then I would definetly vote yes, but tradition is my choice!:thumb:
Pigs will fly before you see articifial turf in Tiger Stadium. The field is supposed to be completely rebuilt before next season with a new drainage system, new turf, watering system -- everything. Hopefully it will withstand the pounding. I hope the Saints play elsewhere next year, anyway.
I'm simply dumbfounded at the comments posted in this thread thus far. Did you SEE THE OREGON STATE GAME? DID YOU? We fell down constantly in the backfield and on quick passes. They had a field day passing to the lumbering tight end and slow white boy receivers.. Bring on the turf.
Well then LSU should have taken better advantage of the circumstances like Oregon St did. It was our fault.
We don't have the "players" to take "advantage" of those circumstances. Our offense is predicated on speed, cuts, and misdirection. Install a field in the stadium to take MAXIMUM advantage of the style of offense and players that we have. All arguments contrary to that are stupid and illogical.
We just need a new grounds keeper. We should be able to have grass and not see our guys slip and fall every other play.
What would you suggest a groundskeeper do after an hour of torrential rains immediately preceding a football game? The only answer is artifical turf.
